MYERS TAKES A SEAT ON THE ISLAND

Patrick Kaleta and Andrej Sekera are both expected to return to the Buffalo lineup tonight, but the big news is who won’t be on the ice when the Sabres face the Islanders on Long Island. Struggling defenseman Tyler Myers will be a healthy scratch for the first time this season, following a stretch of games that have left many shaking their heads.

Myers

Myers is a league-worst minus-nine through 11 games, and has recorded just one point – the game-winning goal in Buffalo’s season opener against Philadelphia.

“I’m embarrassed, and I should be,” said Myers after today’s optional morning skate at the Nassau Coliseum. “Two years in a row now, it doesn’t feel very good. But the silver lining, I responded the way I needed to last time and that’s what I have to do this time.”

Last season, Myers was a healthy scratch when the Sabres played in Montreal on November 14. At the time he had recorded just four assists and was minus-three in Buffalo’s first 16 games. Myers was back in the lineup for the team’s next game at home on November 16 against New Jersey, and scored his first two goals of the season.

The 23-year-old Myers is hoping for a similar rebound this time around, but knows he has to clear his head first after what has been a tough start to the season.

“It’s just all mental for me. I make a mistake, I’m too hard on myself and put too much pressure on myself in the long run,” explains the 2010 NHL Rookie of the Year. “I think I just need to relax and take a step back and start enjoying myself instead of working my way out of my own game.”

With Myers taking a seat, Andrej Sekera will return to the ice after being out for the past three games with a deep bone bruise on his foot. Sekera blocked an Alexei Emelin shot just 54 seconds into Buffalo’s 6-1 loss in Montreal last Saturday. Sekera struggled to the bench, and went to the dressing room briefly, but returned to play 3:37 of ice time in four additional shifts. The 26-year-old Slovakian had three points (1+2) in eight games prior to the injury.

Kaleta

Kaleta is back after missing five games with a neck injury following a nasty hit-from-behind by Toronto’s Mike Brown on January 29. The injury forced Kaleta to be stretchered out of First Niagara Center to a local hospital where he ended up spending the night.

With Kaleta’s history of neck problems, head coach Lindy Ruff said he’s had ongoing talks with the rugged winger about being more careful of his surroundings on the ice.

“We’ve had discussions, and I’ll have another one with him today. In his case, he can’t put himself in that position,” Ruff said. “I still think there’s a little bit of the onus on the player that’s attacking, but there’s an onus on the player that’s gonna receive that hit too. Especially in Patty’s case, to not put your head in that position.”